New Delhi: India has emerged as the world’s third most competitive country in artificial intelligence, according to Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool, underscoring the country’s growing influence in the global AI landscape.

The latest Visual Capitalist chart based on Stanford data places the United States at the top with an AI vibrancy score of 78.6, followed by China at 36.95. India secured the third position with a score of 21.59, ranking ahead of several advanced economies, including the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany and France.

Stanford’s AI Vibrancy Tool measures the strength and maturity of national AI ecosystems by combining multiple indicators, such as research and development, talent availability, investment and economic impact, infrastructure, public perception, and policy and governance.

The findings highlight India’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, driven by a strong technology ecosystem, rising investments, increasing research output and a large pool of skilled engineers and developers. India also ranked among the top three countries globally in AI talent, reflecting its strength in technology and engineering education.

The data shows that high-income countries continue to dominate AI competitiveness rankings, while upper-middle-income nations such as China are closing the gap. India stands out as the only lower-middle-income country to rank so highly, marking its unique position in the global AI race.

The report also warns that widening disparities in AI development could deepen global inequality if access to AI-driven growth remains uneven. However, for India, the ranking signals a significant boost, reinforcing its role as a key global hub for artificial intelligence innovation and talent.

IANS